Bolt Beat Week 13 staff picks: Chargers looking for revenge against Browns

Fans of the Los Angeles Chargers haven’t forgotten Christmas Eve last year.

On that day, the Chargers were defeated by the Cleveland Browns, a team that was winless going into that game and didn’t win another game that season.

Not much is different this time around, other than the Chargers are healthy and pushing toward a playoff spot. The Browns, however, are again winless, sitting at 0-11.

It can’t happen again, can it? Let’s see what the writer’s here at Bolt Beat think. The number in parenthesis next to each writer’s name represents their win-loss record on the season.

Alexander Insdorf (7-4): “Last year, the Chargers season bottomed out with a loss to the Browns. Some analysts have predicted the Chargers could slip up again, but I find this to be incredibly unlikely. The Chargers team last year was an injury-riddled mess by the time they played the Browns, and had nothing left to play for. Now, with a chance at the playoffs, and the team playing their best football against a Browns team that has struggled even more than last year, I feel confident in saying the Chargers pick up a fairly dominant win at home. Travis Coons might want some revenge also. FINAL SCORE: CLE 10-LAC 31.”

Scott Iger (5-6): “This is the definition of a revenge game. Chargers are attempting to avenge their loss to the then winless Browns of last season with their former kicker, Travis Coons. This is a different Chargers team. The defense has stepped up as of late, and they should be able to hold Cleveland to a pretty low score. Chargers win, 38 – 10.”

Tanner Wrape (1-3): “This game worries me. A lot. As awful as the Browns are, the Chargers are notorious for playing down to their opponent. However, the attitude of the team this year is much different compared to year’s past. There is a real swagger they carry with them, especially on defense. This swagger will not let them lose this game. I believe Philip and Co. has the boys ready to get another huge win. Bolts take this one 34-14.”

Anthony Totri (7-4): “There isn’t a whole lot to this game to be honest. The Chargers need to go out there on Sunday and pick up where they left off on Thanksgiving. I find it difficult to foresee the Browns coming out of this game as winners in the majority of scenarios. Granted last year’s matchup didn’t go too smoothly for the Bolts. Nonetheless, with the defensive dominance and presence of a steaming-hot Philip Rivers, this game won’t be pretty for Cleveland. Chargers 42 – Browns 10.”

Sean Kirk (3-1): “The Chargers will finally return back to LA to face the Browns this Sunday. But the Browns are a very bad team and the Chargers are fighting for a playoff spot. This one is easy. The Chargers will win big and get back to .500. Chargers win 34-13.”

Kade Dohmen (4-7): “Chargers have yet another kicker. Josh Gordon is returning. Trap game for a team looking ahead to make the playoffs? Not here. Chargers win 27-13.”

Tyler Schoon (4-6): “A game this “easy” shouldn’t come with so much stress, and yet the 2016 meltdown against the Browns last season almost has me worried about the Chargers in this one. Almost. That being said, the Bolts should win this one no problem. There just isn’t enough talent on the Browns to match up with the Chargers, plain and simple. The Bolts rush better, cover better, and throw the football better. Hopefully, it won’t come down to kicking better. Final score: Chargers 27, Browns 16.”

Mike Murray (3-3): “Chargers roll. Phillip and Keenan continue what they have been doing. Defense scores again. No mercy for the Browns. Koons is 3 for 3 on FGs. Novak has seen his last game in a Bolts uniform. Chargers 37, Browns 13.”

Matt Pagels (7-4): “PLEASE DON’T LOSE TO THE WINLESS BROWNS AGAIN. This is a different Chargers team (we hope), and I expect a third straight blowout (we hope).”

Travis Wakeman (8-3): “I just can’t envision the Browns slowing down this white-hot offense. I see another big day for Rivers, Allen and Henry as they humble the Browns by multiple scores. I’ll make it back-to-back weeks where we’re all on the Bolts. Chargers 34. Browns 13.”